Please, explain to me…

I might seem like a girl who doesn’t care much about serious matters. Most of my posts are about humor, fiction and Viking-related subjects. But every once in a while, life throws something at me, and can’t rest until I get it out of my mind.

Last summer, I wrote a post on the humor side, about all the “people killing people” going on all around the world. You can catch up here.

Seen in a Chicago subway station a couple of years back…

Yesterday, as I was scrolling around my Reader, I read a friend’s post about the mass shootings going on in the U.S. and gun control. To be absolutely honest, there was nothing out of the ordinary in that person’s rant. A good post, stating facts and (I think) the overall worldwide opinion of non-U.S. citizens: “Don’t you think this has to stop??”

It isn’t the post that shook me. It’s a message left in the comment box.

Now, I know that a lot of Americans have strong feelings against gun control. But I had never “met” one.

I was shocked.

I don’t know this person personally, but I’ve followed her for long enough to know that she is a very intelligent, talented and sensible woman.

Her strong beliefs about the right to own guns in The States intrigued me. I first wanted to write a message back in my friend’s comment box. But I didn’t want to look like I was confronting her. I then thought about sending a private message, but I was worried about how she’d welcome that too.

I don’t want to debate, I want to understand.

As a Canadian, and knowing that Canada and the U.S. are pretty much like siamese twins, I want to understand why some people so close to us think so differently!

So, I’d like to go over a couple of points mentionned in the comment, and a few questions of my own, and if you are against fire arm control, please leave me your thoughts!

First, this person talked about how many of the mass shootings were hoaxes. Now, I’ve heard of many so-called conspiracies, but this is a first for me. I had never heard about the U.S. medias and/or government “inventing” mass murders. Those would be “faked”? Sandy Hook never happened? I sure would like to read more about that.

Then, she pointed out how she’ll never give up the right to defend herself, if someone came to her house to harm her. And that seems to be a common argument for having fire arms at home. We, Canadians, live just across the boarder… I wonder why we are not affected by this terrible fear of home intrusion? Really, is life so much more dangerous in the States?

Next argument, was that ALL mass shooters were on anti-depressants. Meaning that gun availability is not the issue. But wouldn’t that be a perfect reason to at least restrict gun ownership to people who can be a threat to society?

The last point, I must say, left me speachless. She compared the number of deaths due to mass shootings, to people “murdered” in the medical field, or by drunk drivers… Stating that the two lastest were far worse. Well, first of all, those are not “murders”.

“Murder is the deliberate and illegal killing of a person.” – Collins Dictionary

We do have to work to stop drunk drivers, and there is work to be done to improve medical procedures, but I really don’t think there’s any link with murder here. So basically, we’re comparing apples with oranges. And quite frankly, I hope more people die in hospitals, than shot by another human being!

Other than the companies, and lobbies that make money out of the gun industry, I just don’t understand the reluctance to set certain rules. Everytime the subject comes up, it seems like the point is to ban all fire arms from the country. Isn’t there an in-between, that could help keep guns out the hands of dangerous people?

Again… I don’t want to debate, just to understand. And if you feel like commenting, please stay polite. I know this subject can get some people’s blood boiling, and I’ll erase comments that could be too fiery. My point here, is not to say that this person is wrong. I just don’t understand her point of view. At all.

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50 thoughts on “Please, explain to me…”

I live in the US. I own guns. I even have a concealed carry permit (basically a license that allows me to carry a concealed handgun in public places and gives me the authority to use it should the need arise). Alas, I do not get this obsession with high-powered arms. Civilians have no business owning fully automatic, high capacity, military-grade firearms. It’s just not necessary.

Handguns, hunting rifles, biathlon rifles, etc. – I have no problem with. Those are unlikely to be used the wrong way. Alas, the only reason to own a high capacity fully automatic weapon is to decimate. Further, the claim that all mass shooters are on psychotropic medication is just false. That’s just a cop-out.

Alas, despite having a few guns myself, I still fully support stronger background screenings and stronger mental screening for those who are danger to others (I’m not concerned about those who are a danger to themselves only as I regard the issue of suicide one of bodily autonomy – we didn’t choose to come into this world so it is our indisputable right to leave it) as well as proficiency tests and stricter licensing requirements. It’s just common sense.

Thank you for your comment, Lynn! See, all of this makes sense to me… Even though I like the fact that most people don’t own guns here, I don’t think it is terrible for Americans to insist in having the right to have some. It it the people’s choice. But I don’t get how a 19 years old who can’t vote, buy alcohol or cigarettes, can buy legally a machine gun. As you said, automatic weapons, and all the hardcore stuff should be forbidden. No one “needs” that at home. As for people who might be a threat to others, I think it would be a minimum to keep them away from any fire arm.

Well, the smoking age was just recently raised to 21 (was 18 before) and the drinking age has only been 21 since the 1980s. Alas, the military age has always been 18 since I can remember (and even younger during times of war!) so go figure I guess.

Ah yes, gun control. I do think there should be gun control, but where to start and end it is another story. I also thing we should have the right to bear arms to defend ourselves in our home and at our work place. On the other hand, I would be afraid to have access to a gun, because others would have it too. I know I’m not helping here, but people that get charged with murder for protecting themselves, property is not right. I’m glad I don’t have to make the law for the whole world. Just because a person is on anti-depressants, doesn’t mean they would shoot people, however, that would mean by law they wouldn’t be allowed to own a gun to defend themselves if that kind of law came in to place. Clear as mud, right? lol!

There is so much involved… I’m glad we don’t have to deal with all that in Canada. I wouldn’t want to feel more comfortable having a handgun, just because everybody around me owns one too… I feel a kind of fear of the other, in the U.S. but that might just be me….

totally agree with your bewilderment about this topic … to me if you have a gun then it’s more likely you could die by a gun. For people in dangerous jobs or locations I get carrying one for personal safety but this widespread fanatical thing about automatic weapons is far beyond anything the average person needs unless they are living in a war zone … which seems US is?!?
Their arguments seem very irrational to me …

Ok, first, nobody said gun control meant giving up all of our guns. We just want assault weapons not made available. If someone needs an assault rifle to protect themselves, they live in the worst neighborhood in the world.

Secondly, she’s obviously either a Republican who watches too much FOXNews, is beyond high on something, delusional, of a combo of all 3 if she thinks these things are “made up”.

And thirdly, I have no idea if all of these shooters are on anti-depressant. But if they are, they are dealing with some degree of mental health issues, and likely should have access to guns somewhat limited, prudently.

I don’t know the person you are referring to, but the level of intelligence there is suspect, based on what you said.

First of all, I really don’t doubt her intelligence… But her opinions confuse me.

I hesitated before posting this, because I feel that, as a Canadian, I don’t have a word to say… But I really want to try to understand why some people are so intense about having full liberty in that field. I don’t feel like my liberty is cheated because I can’t carry a gun.

I don’t get it either. And I have guns. I have a 12-gauge 3-round shotgun, a .22 rifle, and my wife’s great grandmothers little pistol. We use them. We target shoot and skeet shoot. I’ve trained my boys on gun safety and proper handling of a gun and firing one. So, I’m not anti owning a gun, nor am I anti 2nd Amendment. But, there is no reason whatsoever for a general citizen to own, need, or be able to acquire a weapon that can take out dozens of people in an instant. Not for home protection. Not for personal protection. Not for amusement…though I know there are people who legitimately and legally own and target shoot with these guns, though I still believe they should be banned. And if not banned altogether, there should be copious hoops to jump through and complete vetting of any individual attempting to purchase one. It’s time. People will only stand for so much. And politicians stating we shouldn’t “politicize the gun issue” while blaming mental health, all the while they slash any funding and support to the very population they say is the real issue, sure as hell doesn’t present a good look. This administration, and the Republican Party as a whole, is going to be sorry come mid-term Election Day.

No no…. really, I think what you said is super interesting!! I’m glad we’re having this discussion! It is just not the kind of things people are used to read here!

I feel like I have little knowledge about how things really are in the States… All I know is what I’ve seen on the news, and because of all the shootings, I admit that I often switch channels when they get to American news. So I really enjoy getting all these informations!

Hahaha! Ours is usually a little…darker. Then they’ll throw one little “good” story near the end, just before sending it over to the sports desk, or close the show with one. The rest is maddening, depressing, or a combo of both. 😕

I’m glad you speak your mind… Everything you wrote is interesting! I was worried, when I posted this, that I’d get very emotional replies… I am glad that everybody expressed themselves very courteously (is that even a word?) and with all these great explanations 🙂

They were introduced to them at 10 and 12, respectively. The twins are now 12 and my oldest now 15. Primarily by their grandfather and myself. Being from where we are, and having long-entrenched family from here, for generations, hunting and target practicing to hone skills and correct sights for aim is part of the fabric of life here. I have hunted in the past, but don’t consider myself a hunter. But many in both our families are, and our boys would eventually have been introduced to it by them or the friends that they are growing up with. I wanted it to be by us, and done so with the proper education and safety. We have not taken them hunting. I won’t. But a grandpa or an uncle, or an aunt, may invite them. I’m not gonna tell them they can’t. That’s my primary reason for doing so, responsibly and with supervision only. We shoot skeet, clay pigeons, for practice and fun. That’s it. Otherwise, the three guns we have are locked and not accessible by them, and not discussed in the day to day. While I support being able to own a weapon, for hunting or target shooting or protection, I DO NOT support the access to or sale of any high powered assault style weapon. In my opinion, there is zero reason for any person to own one. Period. That’s my stance, and that’s why we taught the boys the way we did. I hope I explained that sufficiently. 😊

I should note that they are not a primary topic of discussion or use for us. A couple times a year we go through a box of clay pigeons, ya’ know? That’s it really. I think in some households, though, the guns are used frequently, sometimes recklessly, and are clearly visible in the home. All the time. That is kind of scary to think of. They’re way to easy to get.

It’s all scary. I don’t know what to think anymore. I just hope our idiot politicians are pressured into actually doing something to help on this issue instead of remaining complicit in allowing these tragedies to continue.

Too much money involved for them to actually take a stand against the NRA, I’m afraid. They’ve been bought. But the citizens of the US have had enough, and they’ll find that out come mid-term elections. Do nothing, and a bunch are likely to be voted out. I hope.

Cyranny…here in our constitution is the 2nd amendment which says we have the right to “keep and bear arms for the purpose of a well-regulated militia”. That has morphed on the far right to mean “I can own as many different guns and types of guns as I want and you can’t touch them”..the far left thinks ALL guns are bad. Those of us in the middle (both progressives and conservatives) think there should be a happy middle ground. The right to bear arms is absolute. No one can take away someone’s guns. BUT, military styled semi automatic weapons are NOT protected by the Constitution and as such can be banned or not depending upon the laws in place.
There are a million conspiracy theories floating around about the different mass shootings. My own brother, who is otherwise intelligent, thinks Sandy Hook was a vast far left conspiracy to take away people’s guns. My college roommate’s brother was killed at Sandy Hook so I have a real problem with idiots saying it didn’t happen. I attended his funeral. The entire town , as well as the intelligent people in this country, mourned for those kids, teachers and their family members.
The ‘in between” is to ban from public use all military styled semi automatic weapons, bump stocks (which turn a semi into a full-auto machine gun), high amount magazines, and armour piercing bullets. NO ONE can take away hand guns, rifles or shotguns for any citizen. period. They are protected constitutionally. IT IS ALL about money. THE NRA is the largest lobbyist that provides money for political races. UNTIL the politicians stop taking NRA money the laws to ban will never happen.
So far as the mental health issue? It is an excuse to do nothing. The congress LAST WEEK made it easier for a person with mental health issues to purchase a gun.

Most people with mental health issues can’t even drive a car in my country but they can own lethal weapons in yours, simply doesn’t make any sense! They need to boost MH funding/treatment but also review laws governing automatic weapons.

When I studied in the US, a cynical friend of mine (who was in favour of gun control) said it was mainly down to paranoia and distrust of their own government, and indeed when I see posts by the few pro-gun people in my social media, it tends to be about how the government would impose martial law if it could only confiscate everyone’s guns. Whilst a healthy level of distrust of one’s government is past and parcel of a democracy, I do feel that quite such a toxic relationship should be something right-wing Americans should seriously be asking themselves if they could deal with more positively than just arming themselves to the teeth with an “everyone for themselves’ mentality …

I think it is a society choice, and I am also glad that guns are controled here in Canada. I might someday go through an event when a gun could be used, but I prefer to live a life not feeling the need to own one.

22 years ago, In 1996 here in Scotland we had the worst mass-shooting in British history. This happened in Dunblane in a primary school where a man walked into the school with two 9mm Browning HP pistols and Two Smith & Wesson M19 .357 Magnum revolvers. He killed 16 children aged between 5 and 6 and their teacher before killing himself.
This happened 16 miles away from where I live and grew up. I vividly remember this happening, and it is one of those things that even though I wasn’t personally involved, I will never forget.
After this happened there was an enquiry and a public petition to restrict the sale and possession of handguns within the UK, this lead to the Cullen Report which then resulted in the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
Since then there have been no massacres like that again in the country.
Do we have fewer people with mental health issues? No. But what they don’t have is access to military grade firearms.
Or any guns for that matter.
Have there been killing in the UK since, yes, but nothing on that scale directed at children aged 5 and 6 years old

Colin, so many of us in the states wish we had the same laws…it will never happen. And so, we all live in fear. Most days we can put it aside..but it always hovers at the edge of our thoughts. It is a horrible way to live.

My head will explode if I try to respond with more than a few words so I’m going to say very little.

I hate guns. I wish they didn’t even exist. I am afraid every single day when my kids go to school.

That being said, I think there are reasonable compromises that could and need to be made (like Beach said)… at the very least. There is no fucking reason that any citizen needs the kind of weapons used in mass shootings. No reason whatsoever. It’s not a right. Or it should as hell shouldn’t be.

And it pisses me the fuck off when people blame any of this on mental illness. I have depression. I take antidepressants. So, technically, I’m mentally ill. I would never intentionally hurt anyone. That is a horrible sweeping generalization that I take VERY personally.

The gun lobby has exploited the constitutional right to bear arms for financial gain. They will tell you that all guns/weapons no matter their fire power should be available to all citizens. No one has any need for military or high capacity weapons, no one. Believe me when I say that Canada and most of the rest of the world is a better place to be than the US at the moment.

I’d be curious to see the population percentage that think that heavy weapons should be banned. I have a feeling that if it was clearly explained that people could keep “normal” guns, and only military-style weapons would be banned, a majority of Americans would be in favor of “some” gun control… Sadly, lobbies and companies will make sure to scare the population as long as they can

Cyranny, I am in the UK, I remember Dunblane, there was also an incident in Australia not long after I think it was called the Port Arthur Massacre and Australia like the UK put in stricter gun laws. Since then neither country has had an incident like it, the notable exception was the Cumbria Shootings in the UK, the shooter was a licensed holder of weapons, so it could be argued that even with our gun laws someone was always going to get round it, if they wanted to.

For a country like the USA to be averaging 1 mass shooting a day (348 in 2017) when is someone going to say maybe the laws are not working.

Onto another point you have made with regards to Sandy Hook being fake, look into false flags, I am not saying the conspiracy theories are right, but there is an interesting theory out there.

Lastly the 2nd amendment was bought in when guns could only shoot 2 rounds a minute on a good day. We now have a gun who can shoot 1 million rounds a minute. I think the 2nd amendment came in around 1791 and since then it hasn’t been update, yet our guns have gotten more sophistaicated. Surely that alone should make it worth while to have a debate about.

I have heard about cars killing more people so we should ban them type argument before, If someone really wants to kill as many people are possible, they are going to do it, no amount of laws is going to change that, my argument with that though, is make it more difficult, if someone uses a car they are less likely to be able to kill 20 people in a minute with a car then they are with an automatic weapon, also to be honest I am more likely to charge at someone carrying a knife then carrying a gun. I don’t think anyone is saying ban them, people all over the world are saying make it more difficult to get a gun then getting a driving license.

This country with its very lax laws however have banned a chocolate product because it comes with a toy and children could choke on it (no they really can’t but check out Kinder eggs)

OK I think I am done with my rant now, I am off to play forts with my son

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